Why Black Americans are settling in Ghana | DW News 

I went abroad for a masters education. While my colleagues were struggling to get work visas and extensions, I was on a flight to Ghana the day after graduation. Upon arrival I instantly felt at home. Every one looks like you. I’m not leaving ever again except for sightseeing.

I’m glad that lady made it clear that you need to go there with money. It’s great to have the desire to want to do it but it is almost impossible to go from the world’s largest economy to a developing one and think “oh, I’ll figure it out.”

Wishing the best for Africa. They deserve so much more.

As a young African American who fully intends to move out of the US with a group once finances are right, I love and appreciate many things about this piece. One of the biggest things is one of the smallest: notice how the interviewers didn’t cut off or rush the people being interviewed, or over-edit their answers, especially Diallo at the end. They let all of their valuable perspective come through. That alone tells me a lot about how strongly I ought to be considering going back home. Thank you all for introducing us to the possibility with this video!

I was born and grew up in a country where my parents migrated and I never felt at home even though I was born there. In my twenties I went for a holiday to my parents' birthplace and I instantly felt at home. If you haven't been to your parents' birthplace just go for a trip and see.

This is what our return should be about, adding more value to the people and the continent overall.

It's so great seeing lot of families relocating back home, Africa is land of opportunity.

Finally something positive about Africa from the media. Wow...its a good day!

There's actually a lot of really beautiful places to live in Africa, a lot of great coastal towns with lots of potential. But as she pointed out, it's all about having the money!

Many of us out of Ghana, are forced to study the culture of the countries we find ourselves. To live in a country you have never been, for your own good you have to learn how to live. For any outsider who wants to relocate, Ghana is beautiful with opportunities, but you can only survive when you have money to do your own businesses, else you will find problems. Majority of the richest people in Ghana today, made life abroad and then returned to invest.

Ghana is so peaceful and beautiful place

The Ghanaians that I've meet in the uk here are awesome made loads of friends there's definitely a connection between them and people from the carribean

I am glad the lady, Tonya, pointed out that you should be WEALTHY before considering relocating to a country like Ghana - a place that doesn't yet have the economic, legal, or consumer protections as the United States. This is a developing nation, and one with GREAT poverty. This is not unique to Ghana. It would be the same if you choose to move to ANY country in a similar situation. (edited typos)

Funny this video comes out right after I heard my father discussing moving to Ghana. I’ve never been but he has and he loved it there. Said it reminds him of our home country (Jamaica) minus the violence

As an American that lived in Ghana for a couple years, it really is a great place, but the cautionary advice people gave throughout the video is 100% true. Packing up on a whim and moving is just not a good idea. It requires a lot of planning and preparation, along with a solid plan to make money. It is so much different than it is here in the US and if you think you're going to live the same lifestyle you do there as you do here, you're in for a surprise. If you're poor here, you'll still be poor there, probably even more so--jobs and income-earning methods are not exactly like they are in the US where you can get a 9-5 at plenty of businesses to scrape by, especially if you live outside of Accra and in a smaller city/town. The country is very much a developing country, and as such, you're not going to find the same infrastructure as you do in the US. The biggest factor is MONEY. If you have no money and think you're going to head over with nothing but the clothes on your back and fall into piles of money, it's not going to happen. To make it there, you need to already have lots of money built up and a cash safety net of a year in the event of serious issues finding work/paying bills. As someone else stated in the comments, most wealthy Ghanaians made their money outside the country and then came back. On top of that, most people moving from the US aren't going to want to live like the average Ghanaian (or won't be able to), so everything will cost you more money. When a tube of Crest/Colgate toothpaste is $7-8 and a box of Frosted Flakes is $10, it's easy to see just how much it costs for a couple basic "US" items, and this is just 2 examples. If you find yourself wanting to live the same way you did in the US and eat the same foods, your grocery bill will easily be double what it was here due to import costs and supply/demand for those items. Another thing to consider is your income-earning method. Just because you have a job as a yoga instructor or barista or self-employed artist here in the US doesn't mean anything over there. People have different priorities and needs--when the average person living in the lower-income areas of Ghana is struggling to put food on the table, do you really think they're going to pay for a yoga class, a $10 coffee every day, or a $500 painting? No. That $10 coffee equates to about 117 cedis, which is far more than what a homemade meal with locally purchased ingredients costs to feed a family of 5 for multiple days (at least it was when I was there in the late 2010s--I was spending around 100 cedis per week to eat, and I was mostly buying things from local stores/markets/chop bars with the occasional box of cereal or US-brand food). Lastly, VISIT before you MOVE. If you visit for a couple weeks and really try to immerse yourself in the culture, food, and way of life (not living in a resort with all the amenities), see if you'd be able to live there and merge with the culture. Don't pack everything up based on what some glamorized videos say about it. Don't get me wrong, it's great, and if you really want to move, by all means, do it. With that being said, you really need to understand what you're getting yourself into, and if you aren't prepared with knowledge, money, and a very well-thought-out plan, you're likely going to be worse off there than you perceive you are here.

Peace of mind the first important thing as a person. I am glad they are able to find peace in Ghana, and i am glad they did their research to understand where they can find peace in Africa, not every place in Africa is conducive. I am happy that Ghana is a peaceful place and their people are nice.

Great may all African American find good home in Africa ❤️

I hope millions find happiness and the peace they deserve.

While I cry that their ancestors were taken away, I smile that they finally get to return home. Everyone should have the right to feel at home, no matter where it might be. Stay strong, diaspora brothers! Much love and respect from Brasil.🙏❤

Welcome home to the motherland. This is home. Y'all welcome 🇬🇭

Yes!! I am going to! 6 more years until retirement! And then I will come home to the Motherland (I am of Ghanaian Ancestry ✨✨✨🙌🏾

Patricia what an amazing woman, what you are done is extremely selfless and will help alot of young Africans ❤

Absolutely LOVE this! I want to help the kids also when / if I relocate to Africa.

Thank you for covering stories like this! I'm interested in what's happening in Africa too

I have visited Ghana 3 times but wasn't aware of the year of return until after. Recently, I've made an Ancestry DNA match in Ghana and now know why I was drawn to that place. I'm excited to learn more about my ancestry.

Africa is the brith place of humanity and everyone should respect the beautiful people of this continent

There is also just something about living in a society that respects you as a person.

In the 1700s, African Americans escaped slavery and made it to Sierra Leone. They built FreeTown, Sierra Leone. They started Building schools for the locals and a couple years later, they welcomed Jamaicans and together they welcomed Nigerians and the three groups renamed themselves the krio tribe , ❤ We need more diaspora unity

At least 1,500 Africans Americans moved to Ghana 🇬🇭 since 2019 .

His example of going to DMV to renew your drivers license , without knowing the lay of the land, is code for ' You have to pay a bribe to get anything done"

I'm loving it here in Ghana 🇬🇭

I’ll be going to study abroad in Ghana this summer can’t wait !

It's glad to see our cousins returning to other motherland. Africa is a continent full of opportunities for them!!

As soon as I finish my degree, I'm out of here. I'd rather help build something productive than struggle in a country that has made it very clear that they detest my presence

God bless beautiful Africa ❤

Many African Americans have expressed positive experiences going to and settling in Ghana. I have spoken to their free trade zone and G30 school. I can see this can be an excellent opportunity for all sides. I want to visit, and eat the good food!

I'd definitely leave Mississippi too. On a serious note: it's cool hearing and seeing these stories.

I remember of hearing of African Americans moving to I think Ghana back in 2017 or 2018. Seems like they're following in the footsteps of W. E. B. Du Bois and looks like this is benefiting Ghana. By the way, the guy who was interviewed makes a very good point.

i have a group of online gamers from Ghana as friends. Often, they are more supportive than the people I have here in the states. I immediately recognized their family focused lives. Beautiful people, much love.

I have to congratulate the Ghanan government for their great marketing. "The Year of Return" attracts Americans that bring money and knowledge to the country. This is actually the best immigration you can wish for your country.

I have visited Ghana three times now, in preparation for a permanent move within a year and a half. I love it there.

My mom is from Germany, and I relocated to Germany. So I understand African-Americans wanting to come home to their ancestral area, a place that is a bit different but can feel like a home, where you look around and everyone looks like you. Besides this, Africa is fascinating, and I would love to visit. There are problems everywhere in the world, but Africans I've known were all good people. Things will only get better in Africa.

Good job my people. Nobody will lift us up . WE must repair our continent

This is such a wonderful example of how expats can improve the communities they relocate to, unlike some expats in parts of Latin America and Asia who gentrify the area for themselves (Bali, Mexico City, Medellin) and don't contribute to the locals. This is a very wholesome report.

Us White Americans fully support this, there should also a fund to FULLY cover all relocation costs back to Ghana.....

It's time I was in Ghana for 6 months .Came home to finish somethings.Moving in June 1,2023..Back to Ghana

Sense of belonging and peace of mind is vital for our health .

Akwaaba and welcome back home karibu. May Yah bless your journey back to the motherland!

Ghana made a good move here. Hopefully the nation can start to thrive with more foreign connections.

They keep saying this. But it's not actually happening. Its very small minority of us leaving the U.S that's just the truth. So small that it's not even worth talking about.

Hi hopes for the beautiful country of ghana and the other countries of Africa. They deserve to thrive and make their economy and countries strong.❤️‍🔥💪🏼

Welldone DW news.Watching from Tripoli Libya.

Keep going...heres your bags.

There is no one rushing from the ghetto to Ghana. LOL!!! And why would they return to a place that sold them?

Wow; Ghana showing Rwanda how to do this thing..

Now my take on all this is as follows: I was born in Ghana but moved out at an early age, one of my parents is a diplomat so i was able to experience different cultures from their origin point, essentially growing up in that culture, ive been in and out of Ghana until 2019 when my diplomat parent retired and I started University here. Now not having a sustained exposure to Ghanaian culture is what people tell me the problem is, I am told i need to act more Ghanaian since I am one but this attitude taken towards me really hasn't made me feel like am home. Just because I don't move like you do doesn't mean I'm not one of you. so my "year of return" has really been just a downward spiral, personally I don't have the best opinion of Ghana as there is alot wrong, but we also do a lot right, maybe its my attitude to the problem and I simply cannot conform to what's expected of me. Does anyone feel the same?

Meanwhile, there are Ghanaians in Mexico waiting to get into the US.

Peace of mind and Freedom. That's what I miss the most. After 15 years of traveling and living overseas, I've come to understand the level of freedom and peace of mind we enjoy in Ghana. Americans have NO CLUE what true freedom is 😅

I support this move with all my heart. I hope many, if not all of them, move to Ghana

Shout out to Ghana! We are going to Sierra Leone as well as they have an established route to citizenship and cultural integration ceremonies

It would be SO positive for more Americans to move to Africa. It is too much to ask for most I’d imagine but still: right on! ❤

LOL look at these colonizers. They go to Ghana with a bit of money and get to live like kings. It won’t be long until the locals come to resent them.

everyone should go to where they feel welcomed, i had an african american friend that left the usa , i can't remember what part of africa he went to

Beautiful culture and nice to see it being celebrated.

Ghana has issues like any other country that are good and not good, like LGBTQ and detaining journalists. Any American going to Ghana must do research in the country and visit it first or more than that to see if this is the place you want to live. How are the jobs, education, healthcare, politics, police, military, religions, entertainment, shopping, culture, etc... Go there with you eyes wide open.

i hope more Americans could follow their heart.

Superb! This is what true humanity looks like.

This is so cool 🕊️. Not only are they returning to their ancestral lands, but they are helping the economy.

Not moving to any part of Africa……..sold my ancestors for umbrellas and alcohol….. now we are prosperous you want us back…… nope not coming back….

They are welcomed but better not bring that Western /American mentality here.

so nice people coming back to where they belong

Ghana🇬🇭 is home to the world 🌎

Great to see. Proud of African Americans for doing this. Hope more common to get in touch with their roots and experience a new life, free from racism.

Jah bless Ghana...give support

I made this mistake. Still have 3 lawsuits pending on a property fraud issue. You have no protection in Ghana. The police, the judiciary, lawyers - nothing works and all they want is money. If the criminals pay them more, then your case disappears.

Africa is a great place of humanity ❤

This made me cry in a good way...😊

May the Almighty God bless you for helping the poor. Amen.

Great content. Loving it

I’m an English white guy with a couple of mates from Ghana. It certainly seems a beautiful country - great location, stable and about 6 hours flying from Europe. I hope Ghana goes from strength to strength😊👍

Nice, very nice, I wish African American can have the same feelings for Ghanaian n African in America as well

Akwaaba to 🇬🇭, our Brothers and Sisters from the Diaspora. We are all one: Africans💓

I would never go nor would I move there but my brother did and it costed me a few dollars to get him home again. The money he brought with him and that people sent with him got lost. He got scammed trying to export gold from there and forgot to do the homework. Being in the dental business he had everything put in place to do it and to process it but they lured him by telling oh sorry the guy that will follow along forgot his passport or his mom died or etc etc untill the last day of his visa so he had to leave by him self. They also tried to take him for more money on the way home saying they hade gold left over from another deal that never happen in Amsterdam if he only could send some more money.

Honestly more countries should do this not just African ones, this is a great idea! I'm happy for everyone that found where they feel like they belong in Ghana. ☺

Sounds like Good places. People don't have to deal with prejudice and other things.

This is what Africa needs

Thanks to wode maya as well for preaching the "come back home"

I support this movement 100%.

My late husband grew up In Accra. This is super news.

Going to be where one can best enjoy life. You only get one life, don't waste it somewhere you are not happy.

africa is the future

Am very proud of her

07:55 "i left for piece of mind" amen brother

She came ti Ghana and fell in love with Africa? That’s incomprehensible. I would say she came to Ghana and fell in love with Ghana. Thank you

I'm half african american, my ancestry is west African / ivory coast. This is the a really interesting initiative!!

This reminds us of the 19th century maryland in Africa project in Liberia & Sierra leone

Being African American. Is like being a child whose mother died in childbirth, and being raised by a father who despises you. As a African American, I would love to set foot anywhere on the continent. For us it is a place wonder, pride, and the unknown. Sometimes I think Africans born on the continent, look down on us, because our ancestry, was stolen from us. But I’ve only heard good things about Ghana 🇬🇭. Every African American, I’ve met whose traveled there says the same thing “ They instantly felt they were home, being welcomed like, long lost cousins “ I hope it true. I really want to see for myself one day ❤️

It's good until money runs out.

Welcome home our long lost our children 💯👍 may all African countries do the same, but also may those returning wash out the comparison and you must be hard working to feed your family and contributing to the country!! Home is what you make of it! Get land farming is the future!!!

Welcome home brothers n sister from the diaspora. If you're looking for a personal tour guide to help you explore the breathtaking beauty of Ghana, look no further. I'm your go-to guy for an unforgettable adventure! I'm not just a guide, I'm your friend - always down for a good laugh and a memorable experience. From the trans-Atlantic slave castles to the mesmerizing wildlife and nature, I'll show you all the amazing things the motherland has to offer. Let's create some unforgettable memories together.